For a miserably cold, wet and windy Tuesday, the fact there is a queue at all outside the Cardiff Solus for tonight’s gig is actually heart-warming, and it goes to show the level of commitment fans of alternative heavy music have for the music they enjoy, let alone any band in particular. Tonight’s line up is a thoroughly American metalcore Smörgåsbord, with three bands all equally eager to bring it. First up tonight, are Californian melodic hardcore-mob BEING AS AN OCEAN [7], who sadly have to make do with the relatively small crowd who came for the early doors. It doesn’t stop them giving it 100% though, with front man Joel Quartuccio spending more time on the barrier than he does on stage. Those at the barrier are clearly true fans, as he delights in handing several members of the crowd the microphone sporadically, each person more than happy to oblige in doing their part vocally. It appears really close knit, and although few in numbers, there’s a sense of genuine gratitude and appreciation from both parties. The set itself is good, quite rough, with the melodic sections allowing slight respite. The second of tonight’s bands are HUNDREDTH [7], who as a band, define what it means to be dedicated and passionate about creating music, and giving your everything to share that love of music with fans from all around the world. They don’t have a place to stay the night, and are more than graciously collecting tips at the merchandise stall just to get some warm dinner in them, but they are here regardless, because they just want to play, and it’s beyond admirable. For a band to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to join a tour with so little resources, you can’t not respect them and the effort they put into their set. There’s less melody here than with tonight’s openers, but it matters not when you feel how much it means to them having a crowd to play to. There’s a ferocity and honesty to their playing and you know these guys have a future, label or not, they’ll play regardless. Lastly then, we have tonight’s head liners; Pennsylvania’s AUGUST BURNS RED [7], who have the largest crowd at their disposal, and waste no time in tearing into opening track “Provision” from 2013’s “Rescue And Restore” album. It’s a brutally magnificent onslaught from start to finish, with Jake Luhrs’ vocals tearing through the venue like thunder. There’s barely a moments rest as the crowd slowly turns into one giant mosh pit, the band clearly loving the willingness of the audience to get involved and give it everything they’ve got, Jake even encouraging more and more carnage by sarcastically applauding the fine job security are doing at the front. With both the band and crowd feeding off each other’s energy, it’s a victorious set all in all, and despite the venue being scaled down to reduced capacity for the size of tonight’s show, it makes it all the more intimate and, more of a gathering than a gig. Metalcore, melodic hardcore, whatever kind of subgenre you want to brandish these bands with, it doesn’t matter, the fans are clearly loyal and tonight proves that unquestionably. To many it’s not a scene or a genre, it means more than that, and tonight’s bands epitomize that very notion.

The organisers over at Kerrang! Have always gone out of their way to ensure the line up each year is diverse as can be, bringing together different styles to generally celebrate heavy music as a whole, than trying to appeal to one type of fan, and this year is no exception. After several hours queuing in the cold, wet miserable weather, we’re greeted with the first band of the night; BABY GODZILLA [3]. Now as much as I try, I actually haven’t got a clue what to say about these Nottingham based lunatics. Their style is a modern thrash / metalcore based onslaught that destroys everything in its path, they may as well have left out the “Baby” and just called themselves Godzilla! A lot of the time was spent diving around, climbing amps, wandering the crowd, throwing guitars around, generally being chaotic, which was fun to watch, but not really enjoyable to listen to. NEKROGOBLIKON [6] were up next and again, they are quite hard to understand as a band. Musically they are fine; their mix of growled vocals, hefty guitar work and the odd lick of a keyboard gives them a slight resemblance to CHILDREN OF BODOM at times, just not as ferocious. It’s straightforward enough, but, then we have the fact that an actual goblin joins them on stage. Ok he’s not a real goblin, but a man in costume…that, really doesn’t do, anything? He talks a bit, interacts with the crowd between songs, but generally prances around, head banging, giving it the horn, it’s purely all for show and as a gimmick, is a pretty weak one. I can’t see the novelty lasting long at all. Can’t help but feel they are trying too hard. CROSSFAITH [8] are tonight’s main support, and it’s blatantly obvious why. They came to put on a show and by damn they put on a show. The quality and confidence in the performance by this Japanese 5-piece was outstanding. As a front man, Kenta Koie has the crowd under his control more or less right away, commanding circle pits and even the infamous wall of death, as he powers through the set. Terufumi Tomano joining him occasionally on vocals in between programming/electronics, and sipping neat Jack Daniels right from the bottle, it’s all very well executed and a sign of a band with a bright future ahead of them. Now that everyone is properly warmed up, it’s time for tonight’s headliners, and probably the reason 98% of people got a ticket. LIMP BIZKIT [9], are tonight playing possibly the smallest UK show they have ever done, and the atmosphere is incredible. Guitarist Wes Borland struts on stage looking as audacious as ever, in a white blazer jacket, boxer shorts, a painted white face with electric blue full-eye contact lenses…he looks ridiculous yet somehow all the more respectable. He’s got Hawaiian flower necklaces, he’s sipping Bacardi from a pineapple, he’s here to party! Bassist Sam Rivers and drummer John Otto aren’t far behind, River’s eyes fixed on the crowd, he’s ready for this, before finally Fred Durst coolly walks on, with the band bursting straight into “Rollin’”. The crowd go NUTS as expected, with people being carried over the barrier here there and everywhere. Security at the front have earned they’re pay tonight! It’s a very “Chocolate Starfish…” based set list, with “Hot Dog” coming next, as well as including “My Generation”, “Livin’ It Up”, “My Way” and “Take A Look Around”. Newer tracks such as “Gold Cobra” make an appearance, as well as their cover of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s “Killing In The Name”, before, despite Durst’s insistence that they've been told they can’t play “Break Stuff”, they end the set with that very song, and there’s not one person in the room unhappy. Despite the jet lag, despite the first night of any tour meaning bands are maybe a little rusty, Limp Bizkit have owned it tonight. It’s rare you get to witness bands of this size in such (all things considered) intimate venues, the Kerrang! Tour has made it possible this year with one of the biggest bands of a generation, and it’s been incredible.

The Welsh capital is buzzing with energy tonight; it’s the beginning of the 6 Nations Championship, Wales have just beaten Italy whilst England suffer defeat at the hands of the French. Can today get any better? Yes it can… Fuel, is a dedicated rock and metal bar tucked away in one of Cardiff’s side streets, but where it might lack in size, it definitely makes up for in atmosphere and tonight, the back room plays host to three talented, up and coming bands who play for nothing more than the love of playing itself. It’s also only £3 to get in too and, believe me when I say that calling that a bargain in an understatement. First up are a local 3-piece by the name of LOADED JONES, who soon get the night under way with some fine, up-beat rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Joe Spooner puts on a confident display as vocalist/guitarist, some tight playing all round, however the microphone quality hinders them somewhat, being slightly muffled throughout, mind you, it didn't stop them absolutely owning a cover of “Two Tribes” by FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD. Next up are another local band by the name of SPYGLASS, who despite not being as lively as tonight’s opening act, still command your attention with tracks like “Thicker Than Blood” and “Good Mistakes”. They’re style is rooted in grunge with a slight modern twist and it’s safe to say the 4-piece won’t stay unsigned for long. Finally then, it’s time for tonight’s headline band. Having spent the day on the road travelling up from London, DRIVEN are hungry to jump on that live stage and flex their musical muscles, and boy do they. With older tracks from their début EP such as “Uproar” and “The Fool” still sounding fresh and fierce, added to the new tracks from their up-coming début album, Driven have the crowd in the palm of their hand, at one point even starting a heavy metal conga line! A few more Mic. Issues this time for front man Adam Leader mean it’s not quite perfect, but it doesn't matter one bit. Fuel may not be a petrol station, but Driven pulled in and filled up on new fans instead, and I'm sure you can agree that this album can’t come soon enough. Buckle up, because these guys are going to floor it.

LIVE MUSIC

What's better than your favourite band releasing a brilliant album for you to listen to at home? Going to SEE that band perform those songs on a live stage...there's nothing like the feeling of a live gig. Here I'm going to share some of my experiences with you.